Memorial Field press box dedicated to former Concord High School principal

Gene Connolly once announced football games from box

Gene Connolly retired as principal of Concord High School at the end of this past school year, two years after he was diagnosed with ALS. Friday night the press box at Memorial Field was dedicated to him.

Memorial Field press box dedicated to former Concord High School principal

Gene Connolly retired as principal of Concord High School at the end of this past school year, two years after he was diagnosed with ALS.

Friday night, his name was emblazoned across the press box at Memorial Field where Connolly used to announce the Concord Crimson Tide home games on Friday nights.

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Connolly was all smiles; he had no idea about the unveiling planned in his honor.

"It was very moving for him, I know; for my entire family," said Gene's son Jim. "It was just another beautiful gesture from the community. They've done so much and we're just really moved."

Now, a piece of Gene will always be there at the stadium to inspire the Tide to victory.

"Gene means a lot to every kid that's ever been to Concord High, including the ones that'll be on the field tonight," said Athletic Director Steve Mello.

"It's always that secret motivation that no one knows about that the whole team uses whenever we're talking about it," said senior football captain Kody Hardy. "If we can't do it for someone we'll always do it for Gene-o."

Gene was diagnosed with ALS two years ago.

While it has affected his speech and muscular abilities, it hasn't affected his love of the game and this school.

"He doesn't pick favorites, he talks to everyone, doesn't matter who you are, and he just shows that he cares," said senior football player Reid Ljungholm.

Now the school is giving that love back.

"He gets to see just how much he's put into it and that it's reciprocated," said Jim Connolly.